Tag Archives: Kentucky

The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) has announced that the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved the Commonwealth’s Section 1115 Medicaid waiver known as Kentucky HEALTH (Helping to Engage and Achieve Long Term Health).

CMS provided guidance that the newly approved program can begin as soon April 1, 2019. Accordingly, the PATH (Partnering to Advance Training and Health) Community Engagement component will be rolled out regionally over several months beginning no sooner than April 1, 2019.

“Kentucky HEALTH offers a customized path based on individual needs that will help beneficiaries gain better health, engagement in their communities, improved
employability, and success through long-term independence,” CHFS Secretary Adam Meier said in a news release. “This individualized approach affords flexibility and procedural protections that will ensure Medicaid is able to provide beneficiaries access to services and opportunities, while utilizing a holistic approach to addressing barriers and challenges that affect overall health.”

The 2018 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book offers the latest data on 17 measures of child well-being, showing whether outcomes for children across the commonwealth have improved, worsened, or stayed the same over a five-year period.

“Core to our mission, we believe that children of every background and in every part of Kentucky deserve all the tools and opportunities that we as a commonwealth can provide. This book serves as an annual report card for how we are meeting that charge for all of our kids,” said Dr. Terry Brooks, executive director of Kentucky Youth Advocates.

The 2018 County Data Book allows users to investigate areas in which Kentucky and its counties are making progress and those needing focused attention for improvement. It highlights data in four domains of child well-being: economic security, education, health, and family and community.

The 2018 Kentucky KIDS COUNT County Data Book was made possible with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the 2018 KIDS COUNT sponsors: Passport Health Plan, Kosair Charities®, and Delta Dental of Kentucky.

After someone commits suicide, family members and friends are left to wonder why. They reconstruct recent events and interactions, trying to recall any signs that their loved one was contemplating taking their own life.

“The biggest feeling is guilt for not seeing it,” Dr. Josh Smith, a licensed clinical psychologist, says in a Passport-sponsored article on Insider Louisville. “Even when the individual does not show any discernible signs you feel like there is something that you missed.”

During National Suicide Awareness Month this month, the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) encourages everyone to share resources and stories in an effort to simply talk about the highly stigmatized topic.

In Kentucky, suicide is on the rise, with 776 deaths occurring in 2017. There were 584 deaths by suicide in Jefferson County between 2011 and 2015.

To help tackle this issue, the Louisville Health Advisory Board is holding free suicide prevention training at 85 locations around Jefferson County from Sept. 9 through 15 in association with National Suicide Prevention Week. The 90-minute “Question. Persuade. Refer.” (QPR) sessions are designed to teach people how to respond to someone in crisis and are taught much like CPR. The goal of the training is to educate people on how to talk with someone who might be at risk. To learn more and see a complete list of the times and locations, please go online to qprlou.com.

To hear more from Dr. Smith, including his very personal stories about suicide, please click here.

Power to Exhale, a global women’s empowerment organization headquartered in Louisville, is bringing its empowerment tour to the state of Kentucky.

Sponsored by Passport, the Power to Exhale tour will partner with community, education, and entertainment providers in various communities around the Commonwealth.

“This will be an RV empowerment tour rolling from city to city to give people in the community everything from information on controlling their blood pressure to a road map on how to live your best life,” said Power to Exhale Founder Charla Young. “We will also stop to build a Habitat for Humanity Home, volunteer at Dare to Care of Louisville and stand proudly on the platform of empowerment as we march through a community parade. This RV Tour will be All Things Empowerment.”

The RV Tour kicks off Saturday, September 1, at the Big Four Bridge in Downtown Louisville, where more than 200 Power to Exhale members will gather to walk with a platform solidarity, sisterhood and service. Other stops will include Lexington, Bowling Green, Radcliff/Elizabethtown, and Covington. Every stop is free and open to the public.

Part of combating human trafficking around Kentucky is helping residents understand how to identify trafficking victims and report the crime, according to Attorney General Andy Beshear. As part of this educational effort, his office is launching an initiative with state and local partners to help raise awareness of human trafficking – whose victims, according to Beshear, are often the most vulnerable in Kentucky’s communities. The initiative calls on high school juniors and seniors, and all college students to create a logo for Kentucky’s Human Trafficking Task Force, which Beshear’s office and Catholic Charities of Louisville co-chair.

“Human trafficking is a growing and gruesome crime in the Commonwealth and in order to combat it, we need the help of every community to recognize what it is and to report it,” Beshear said. “Our logo initiative not only engages young adults to help us further promote awareness through our task force, but also teaches them that victims of human trafficking are often the most vulnerable in our communities – victims of abuse and violence, runaways, refugees, immigrants or those who are homeless.”

Amy Nace-DeGonda, with Catholic Charities of Louisville, said the purpose of the logo is to support the anti-human trafficking movement in Kentucky.

“Both adults and children can be coerced into sex or labor trafficking and awareness of this is key,” Nace-DeGonda said. “With raised awareness of what trafficking is, the indicators of trafficking, prevention can occur as well as those who have been trafficked can reach needed services. I appreciate this effort being done throughout the state.”

In promoting the logo initiative, the attorney general’s office and Catholic Charities of Louisville are joined by Free2Hope, Women of the Well Ministries, the Kristy Love Foundation, and the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work.

The deadline to submit a logo is Oct. 8. For more details go to www.ag.ky.gov.

Beshear said it is the law to report any suspected case of child trafficking, and that everyone has a role to play in preventing human trafficking:

Passport Health Plan has provided a $25,000 grant to the Kentucky State Police Foundation, which will be used to purchase fentanyl response kits that will help KSP troopers avoid contact with dangerous drugs.

The kits include Tyvek suits, respirator masks, fentanyl protective gloves, safety glasses, and a portable gear bag. Grainger Inc. is supplying the gear, which will be issued to all sworn units through the KSP Supply Branch.

“At Passport Health Plan, our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of all Kentuckians,” says Passport Chief Operating Officer Carl Felix. “We’re proud to be standing today with the Kentucky State Police to offer this extra layer of protection in their battle against drug trafficking and abuse.”

KSP Commissioner Rick Sanders said the addition of the suits will have an immediate impact on officer safety.

“Our troopers and officers come into contact with fentanyl on daily basis,” says Sanders. “Whether they are responding to a traffic stop, apprehending suspects or responding to overdose calls – just touching fentanyl or accidently inhaling it during enforcement activity can result in absorption through the skin causing immediate and dangerous health effects.”

Kentucky Justice Secretary John Tilley, who has testified to Congress on the opioid crisis in Kentucky, commended Passport Health Plan for their forward thinking and their wellness outreach.

“KSP is on the front lines of the most lethal drug epidemic in history, and it’s creating extreme risks for our troopers and officers,” Tilley says. “These kits will not only save lives among the ranks of KSP, they will save the lives of many Kentuckians by helping get these deadly drugs off the street.”

“When budgets are stretched tight, it will take partnerships like these to truly impact the opioid crisis,” notes KSP Foundation Director Tom Rogers. “Our key mission is to support the men and women of the KSP and this project is yet another way we can pool resources that will directly impact these troopers and officers in the field.”

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic (pain relief) and anesthetic. It is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

Click hereto see the video of the check presentation. Click hereto read more about the kits and what they will be used for.

The report highlights Kentucky’s new streamlined notification process that better assists in investigations and follow-up victim services for reported cases of human trafficking across the state.

The changes allow for a quicker response to incidents of suspected human trafficking in Kentucky and is one of numerous efforts outlined in the annual report of the Kentucky Human Trafficking Task Force, of which Passport Health Plan is a member.

The report is the first overall look at the state’s coordinated efforts to fight human trafficking since Beshear’s office and Catholic Charities of Louisville, co-chairs of the task force, received a federal grant in 2016. The grant was the first from the U.S Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance and Office of Victims of Crime ever awarded to a Kentucky agency for human trafficking.

“Human trafficking is a growing and gruesome crime in the Commonwealth,” Beshear saidin a news release. “In order to combat it, we needed to streamline the information sharing protocols between our federal, state and local task force members to more efficiently respond to reports of human trafficking. Now, law enforcement can immediately investigate and advocates can immediately offer victim services.”

For many hospital patients and residents of assisted-living facilities, medicine is not always what’s needed most. Sometimes, they just need something to smile about. And that’s where animal-assisted therapy can be a real benefit.

Animal-assisted therapy, also known as pet therapy, is recognized by those in the medical profession as a “growing field that uses dogs or other animals to help people recover from or better cope with health problems, such as heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

Linda Laun saw the benefits of pet therapy first-hand when she was a little girl and her ailing grandmother snuck out of the hospital to see her dog, Patsy, in the parking lot. She said that even though her grandmother was in great pain, her face lit up at the sight of her dog.

“When she was interacting with Patsy, she had a tiny piece of tranquility. It made a huge difference in her life,” Laun said in a Passport-sponsored article on Insider Louisville. “I recognized the impact dogs can have on people. When I had time, I got more involved and started a therapy program.”

Today, Laun heads Wonderful Animals Giving Support (WAGS) Pet Therapy of Kentucky, Inc., which utilizes the human-animal bond to bring smiles to the faces of those who are mentally, physically or emotionally challenged. To hear more from Laun, please click here. For more information about pet therapy, please click here.

Because of the recent Hepatitis A outbreak, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is recommending everyone residing in Jefferson, Bullitt, Hardin, Greenup, Carter and Boyd counties get vaccinated.

So far this year, 214 cases have been reported in the Jefferson County/Louisville area – the county usually has 1-3 cases per year. Meanwhile, Bullitt, Hardin, Greenup, Carter and Boyd counties have each reported 5 or more cases, for a total 311 cases associated with the outbreak. One death has been reported.

“Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable illness,” Dr. Jeffrey Howard, acting DPH commissioner, said in a news release. “DPH recommends all children, ages 1 year through 18, receive the Hepatitis A vaccine, as well as adults who want to protect themselves from an acute hepatitis A infection. In these counties with local transmission of the hepatitis A virus, we recommend everyone be vaccinated per guidelines to help stop this outbreak.”

Dr. Sarah Moyer, Director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness, is also encouraging all residents to take action.

“I am asking you to help us as we encourage everyone in our city to protect themselves and others by 1) practicing good hand washing and 2) getting vaccinated,” she said, adding that a person with hepatitis A can be contagious for up to two weeks before they ever show signs or symptoms of illness.

Since 2006, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended children receive the hepatitis A vaccine series. Effective July 1, 2018, all Kentucky students in kindergarten through 12th grade must receive two doses of the Hepatitis A vaccine to attend school or receive a provisional certificate of immunization, unless their parents claim an exemption.

Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark-colored urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and fever.

The disease often is transmitted when people do not wash their hands properlyor do not have access to proper sanitation. Along with the vaccination, DPH recommends adults and childrenwash their hands often – particularly after using the restroom or before consuming food. Hand sanitizer should be used only when soap and water is unavailable.

The hepatitis A vaccine does not contain a live virus and is extremely effective, Dr. Moyer said. The vaccine is available at healthcare providers (check with your doctor), at Kroger pharmacies and Little Clinics, and at pharmacies like Walgreens and Rite Aid. People are encouraged to call ahead to ensure that the provider has the vaccine and that there is no cost as long as the person has health insurance. Those who do not have insurance can go online to https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/hepatitisfor locations offering the vaccine.

Friday September 27th,10:00 am-11:00 am

Thursday September 26th,12:00 pm-1:00 pm

The Healthy Lifestyle series is offered to JCTC students and will be held @HUB. Passport Health Plan’s Health Education Manager, Lisa Bellafato, and Behavioral Health Operation Manager, Eric Russ, will be onsite GET MORE INFO

Monday August 19th,12:00 pm-6:00 pm

Monday August 19th,5:00 pm-7:00 pm

BTS for college students. A Passport Representative will be onsite to provide information, answer questions, and hand out supplies. Location: Campbellsville University Student Center; Campbellsville, KY 42718

Saturday August 17th,11:00 am-12:00 pm

Monday August 12th,10:00 pm-2:00 pm

Free resource Fair for the Johnson County area- resources focused on insurance and local basic needs resources. A Passport representative will be onsite to provide information and answer questions. Location: 625 Main GET MORE INFO

Sunday August 11th,11:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday August 10th,10:00 am-1:00 pm

Students have opportunity to receive free school and health supplies All of the back-to-school events are free and open to the public. Students must be accompanied by an adult to receive supplies, GET MORE INFO

Saturday August 10th,8:00 am-11:00 am

Event to allow families to collect community resources and pick up free school supplies. A Passport Representative will be onsite to provide information and answer questions. Location: 501 Philadelphia St; Covington, KY GET MORE INFO

Monday August 5th,4:30 pm-6:30 pm

Saturday August 3rd,9:00 am-11:30 am

A Back to School Event sponsored by the Medical Center for Franklin County students. The event will provide resources and information to participants; Passport Representative onsite to provide information and answer questions. GET MORE INFO

Saturday August 3rd,2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Saturday August 3rd,9:00 am-12:00 pm

Students have opportunity to receive free school and health supplies All of the back-to-school events are free and open to the public. Students must be accompanied by an adult to receive supplies, GET MORE INFO

Saturday August 3rd,9:00 am-12:30 pm

This event is for children and youth who attend Fayette County Public Schools. Back to school supplies giveaway , children’s activities. Education and Community Resources; Passport Representative onsite to provide information and GET MORE INFO

Thursday August 1st,5:00 pm-7:00 pm

A Back to School Event for Park City Elementary School students. The event will provide resources and information to participants. Passport Representative onsite to provide information and answer questions. Location: Park City GET MORE INFO

Thursday August 1st,9:00 am-11:00 am

A Back to School Event for Caverna Schools P -12th grade at the Cave City Convention Center. Passport Representative will be onsite to provide resources and information to participants. Location: 418 Mammoth GET MORE INFO

Thursday August 1st,5:00 pm-8:00 pm

A Passport Representative will be handing out resource info to the parents and students to get school supplies and resources. This is in Central time. Location: Greensburg High School 302 Brummal Ave; GET MORE INFO

Friday June 7th,10:30 am-12:30 pm

Saturday June 1st,11:00 am-8:00 pm

Location: 1080 Amphitheater Rd; Louisville, KY 40214 This Free all-day celebration of Music, Food, and Family activities invites everyone to be part of the beautiful diversity of Louisville will be held at GET MORE INFO